SW, pre-boarding and Autism?

[MEM]

Can anyone tell me how this works? DS12 is on the autism spectrum and cannot sit by himself. I have been hearing horror stories from SW passengers who even though they snag an "A" boarding pass, are made to move by flight crew because of late-comers who "have" to sit together.

I want to make sure I ask for the right thing to ensure that my son is not upset by the seating arrangements.

Please advise,

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I would check in online to get the A passes, just in case they don't let your whole family preboard (I understand they sometimes limit it to one adult and the child with a disability) and then when you get get there (get there pretty early) tell the person checking your luggage (don't do curbside go inside). They will give you a preboarding ticket. Then when you line up go to the preboard line and you'll be invited on first.

This is based on flying often with SW but never having used preboard other than for children below age 5.

 

[tmli]

I fly SWA often with ds (10) also with ASD. Whenever we have an A pass we usually do not ask for preboarding. The flight attendants are wonderful...even if they asked you to switch when you explained it wasn't possible they certainly wouldn't force the issue. When I have had a B or C I have asked just to avoid the possibility of us not sitting together.

That being said there are times when we have been leaving and ds (also bi polar) has been in a difficult "cycle"...during these times I know from experience he needs to preboard to choose his seat (can take a while) and to not have to deal with the rush of people coming on. Also at those times, standing in the boarding lines for an extended period are also not possible. You know your child best and are entitled to do what you need to do in order to make him as comfortable as possible.

 

[cymomtx]

Anytime we fly, no matter what airline, I go to the check-in counter and tell them, that I have two Autistic children and need to pre-board. I have yet to have them give me any trouble. I make sure I go up early, as mine are 10 & 15 and not the normal under age 3 pre-board children.

 

[tarkus]

Anytime we fly, no matter what airline, I go to the check-in counter and tell them, that I have two Autistic children and need to pre-board. I have yet to have them give me any trouble. I make sure I go up early, as mine are 10 & 15 and not the normal under age 3 pre-board children.

That's the way to do it.

I have found Southwest one of the better airlines.
57 flights last year and not a problem.

Air Carrier Act:
http://www.adaportal.org/Other_Legislation/ACAA/Air_Carrier_Access_Act_TOC.html

Have a good trip,
Alan

 

[AJKMOM]

When we traveled on Southwest, we always pre-boarded with autistic DS, age 13. There were 5 of us, but we needed to have one parent with DS, so we pre-boarded. I did have a copy of most recent IEP, not sure if we needed it, the trip was 4 years ago.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

I have read several sources that SWA is finally going to preassigned seats, so the stampede should cease being a problem.

 

[tarkus]

I have read several sources that SWA is finally going to preassigned seats, so the stampede should cease being a problem.

Only in certain tests at some airports.

The rerviews are mixed, some like it some don't.


We will see,
Alan

 

[MEM]

That's the way to do it.

I have found Southwest one of the better airlines.
57 flights last year and not a problem.

Air Carrier Act:
http://www.adaportal.org/Other_Legislation/ACAA/Air_Carrier_Access_Act_TOC.html

Have a good trip,
Alan

OP here! Thanks for all the advice

 

[SueM in MN]

Also, take along the phone number for the Disabilities Hotline from this thread. It's good to have in case you run into any problems.
Although Southwest address autism specifically, they do have a page of
Travel Tips for People with Disabilities. This is what it says at the end of that page:

Your Rights

Southwest Airlines policies and procedures are developed in accordance with 14 CFR Part 382, Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel. Every Airport is staffed with trained Complaint Resolution Officials (CRO) who have received training and are knowledgeable of the regulations ensuring accessible travel for Customers with disabilities. You have a right to request to speak with a CRO, and we will promptly provide a CRO either in person or over the telephone.